How to Study Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Written byRobert S. Balan

Last updated 22 Nov 2024

24 min read

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• How to Study Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

• Studying abroad isn’t just about school; it’s about growing, seeing the world differently, and making amazing friends. It’ll boost your confidence and open up both personal and career opportunities.
• Start looking into courses a year before, figure out your budget and scholarships 9 months in advance, apply to unis 6-9 months before, and sort visas, accommodation, and travel 3-6 months ahead.
• Pick a subject you’re passionate about, and choose a country that matches your language preferences, budget, and lifestyle.
• Studying abroad costs money, so set a budget and look into scholarships early to make it easier on your wallet.
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to a few unis, confirm your spot when accepted, sort your visa if needed, and get ready to move.

Thinking of studying abroad but feeling a bit overwhelmed? No wonder! On Mastersportal alone there are close to 100,000 degrees listed, and they’re from universities all over the world. The good news? You’re not alone! The process might seem complicated, but if you take it step-by-step, you’ll be packing your bags before you know it. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand everything you need to know — from picking the perfect course to hopping on the plane. 

Why should you consider studying abroad?

Studying abroad isn’t just about hitting the books. It’s about growing as a person, having amazing experiences, and making friends for life. The insights below really show how studying abroad can boost your confidence, open your mind, and make your journey through life even more exciting.

• Broadening Horizons: Studying abroad gives you a fresh take on life. It pushes you to grow on your own, making you more adaptable and confident. This kind of growth isn’t just good for your career; it’s also great for you as a person. Professor Kevin Pimbblet really drives home how much it can impact you.
• Irreplaceable Experience: Associate Professor Brad Carey talks about how not studying abroad is one of his biggest regrets. It really shows how unique and valuable the experience can be getting to dive into other cultures, learning how things are done elsewhere, and building friendships that last a lifetime.
• Different Perspectives: Paul Greaves points out how travelling helps you see things in a whole new light. Being exposed to different ways of thinking can give you a more balanced view, which is super useful both in school and in your career.

Here are some insights from professors at reputed international universities:

Professor Kevin Pimbblet, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling, University of Hull, UK:

“Travelling abroad broadens your horizons. You’ll make lifelong friends and valuable contacts, giving you a fresh perspective on your life and future direction. Studying abroad also boosts your confidence as you learn to navigate challenges independently. It’s both an opportunity and a challenge, and overcoming it will set you up for life. The experience can make a significant difference to your career and personal growth in the long run. It’s about achieving your goals and realising that you can succeed, no matter how tough things may seem.”

Associate Professor Brad Carey, Director of Project Management Programme, Curtin University, Australia:

“Not studying abroad is probably my biggest regret regarding my education. What I really missed out on was experiencing how things are done in other parts of the world, immersing myself in new cultures, and meeting people from across the globe. When I talk with friends who studied abroad during their degrees, it’s always the number one thing they mention: ‘I studied abroad, and that was where I learned the most, had the most fun, and built lifelong relationships.’ Those kinds of experiences are irreplaceable.”

Paul Greaves, Programme Director of Sport Development & Coaching, University of Stirling, UK:

“One thing I’ve learned from travelling is that we often learn things a certain way in our own countries, and we normalise those behaviours and perspectives. But when you travel to a different country, you gain a new outlook. It broadens your thinking, allowing you to understand things differently. It’s not just about tunnel vision; it’s about seeing the bigger picture. Collaborating with people from different countries and cultures helps you think in diverse ways, and that’s a significant strength. It gives you a well-rounded approach, which is invaluable when studying or exploring a new place.”

Preparation Timeline Overview

Before diving into details, it’s good to have an overall timeline in mind:

• 1 year before: Start researching courses and destinations.
• 9 months before: Set your budget and search for scholarships.
• 6-9 months before: Apply to universities.
• 3-6 months before: Get ready for visas, accommodation, and travel.

1. Decide what to study

Some of you might already know exactly what you want to study, and that’s awesome! But if you’re still unsure, don’t worry. Think about what interests you the most. What would you be excited to do every day?

Popular options like Business, Engineering, and Medicine are always solid choices, but make sure it’s something you enjoy! Here you can have a look over thousands of degrees in the most popular disciplines on our portals:

• Business and Management  
• Computer Science and IT  
• Engineering  
• Law  
• Medicine  
• International Relations  
• Psychology  

Try tools like personality tests or career quizzes to help narrow down your options. If you’re really stuck, a gap year can be a great way to figure things out while gaining some real-life experience.

• Take Studyportals’ personality test.
• Think about what you enjoy and enjoy doing, even without external rewards.
• Look at the people you admire and ask yourself if you’d like to do what they do or something similar.
• Read or watch student reviews of multiple disciplines to better understand the curriculum, the effort required, and the outcome of studies.
• Eliminate the things you don’t want to study; not knowing what you want often clears the space to figure out what you want.
• Look at various job descriptions, career paths, and opportunities available. Which ones attract you the most?
• Take a gap year! Spend one year volunteering at home or abroad or getting an entry-level job—it will help you learn more about yourself.

Learn about different types of Bachelors and different types of Masters you can study abroad.

2. Decide where you want to study

Once you know what you want to study, it’s time to pick a country. Think about things like language, work opportunities, and cost of living. For example, would you be okay studying in a non-English-speaking country, or do you want a place where English is widely spoken? What countries or universities excel in the field you want to study?

Use comparison tools like Studyportals’ country test to help you decide. It’s a great idea to choose a few favourite destinations and then compare them based on what’s most important to you:

Tips on How to Decide Where to Study**

• Language: Consider whether you’re comfortable living in a non-English-speaking country or prefer a place where English is widely spoken. This can make a big difference in your daily life and studies.
• Work Opportunities: Check if the country allows international students to work part-time. This could help you support yourself financially while studying.
• Cost of Living: Compare the cost of living in different countries. Do you want to live in a big city or a quiet town? Tuition fees and living expenses vary greatly from country to country or city to city, so choose a place that fits your budget.

• Climate: Consider the climate of your potential destination. If you hate the cold, you might not enjoy studying in a country with long winters.
• Cultural Fit: Research the culture and lifestyle of the country. Would you enjoy living there? How easy will it be for you to adapt?
• University Reputation: Look into the reputation of universities in different countries for your chosen field. Some countries have stronger programmes in certain areas.
• Distance from Home: Think about how far you want to be from your home country. Being closer can make it easier to visit family while being farther away might offer more independence and adventure.
• Student Life: Check out student forums or testimonials to learn about each country’s social life, extracurricular activities, and overall experience. You must feel comfortable and happy with the environment outside of your studies. y Guide to Studying Abroad**

Try picking 2 or 3 ideal destinations. Then, start comparing the pros and cons of each. If you apply to universities in multiple countries, your final choice might not be entirely in your hands. Let’s say you applied to UK, Finland, and German universities. But only those in the UK accepted you, despite Finland being your ideal destination. Keep this in mind and give it a chance. Remember the saying: when one door closes, another one opens.

Find Master’s degrees abroad

3. Choose Your Study Programme

You’ve reached the point where you know the country and discipline you want to study. Congrats! But now, which study programme should you choose? Each university offers one (or multiple) study programmes in the same discipline.

Each programme has a specific curriculum and various academic goals. It would be best to be careful before choosing — you don’t want to realise halfway through your first academic year that you’ve enrolled in the wrong degree.

The simplest way to avoid this is always to check the programme’s overview or list of courses. See what you’ll study and how. Some degrees are more focused on theory, others on practice. Have any questions? Never hesitate to contact the university. A representative should be more than happy to help you.

Other factors worth looking at are:

• the duration of studies: most Bachelors take 3 or 4 years to complete, while Masters take 1 or 2 years. But there are exceptions! Highly specialised disciplines can take 5 or even 6 years of studies. This will also increase your expenses, so don’t overlook this factor.
• full-time or part-time: each approach has its benefits; part-time studies allow you to work on the side and take care of other responsibilities. Full-time studies will take less time and will allow you to enjoy the full on-campus experience.

If you want to apply for a degree abroad, Studyportals can help. Our websites—Bachelorsportal, Mastersportal, and PhDportal—have an awesome feature that lets you quickly compare your favourite study programmes. You only need to create an account, select your favourite programmes, and you’re ready to see them side by side.